In 2013, the Edwards aquifer recharge, the amount of water that reentered the aquifer, was estimated to be 189,600 AF which is less than half the median annual rate for the 70+ year rate before it, which was 556,950 AF.

The Edwards Aquifer Authority has new data out showing just bad it has gotten, and how much water they have been able to conserve. They estimate they were able to safe 2.4 million acre feet due to the EAA Act, which was passed in 1993 by the Texas Legislature.

What challenges will the new year bring to the local water supply? What lies ahead with the new state legislature?

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The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is looking hard at the J-17 well that determines San Antonio's drought level. As it stood today the aquifer level was at 625.24 ft. The 625 ft has special importance. When the well has been there for a 10-day average the San Antonio Pool of the Edwards Aquifer goes into stage 5 pumping restrictions, which is a 44 percent reduction in pumping.

Texas has never had enough water to go around, and with this ongoing drought and population growth water has never been more precious.

As cities are looking to shore up their long-range water plans they are reaching farther into the rural parts of the state looking to buy up water. But the rural areas are reacting with suspicion and dread as they witness their aquifers being tapped.